雅思阅读第074套P2-DRINKING FILTERED WATER

READING PASSAGE 2

Read the text below and answer Questions14-26.

DRINKING FILTERED WATER

A The body is made up mainly of water. Thismeans that the quality of water that we drink every day has an important effecton our health. Filtered water is healthier than tap water and some bottledwater. This is because it is free of contaminants, that is, of substances thatmake it dirty or harmful. Substances that settle on the bottom of a glass oftap water and microorganisms that carry diseases (known as bacteria or germs)are examples of contaminants. Filtered water is also free of poisonous metalsand chemicals that are common in tap water and even in some bottled waterbrands.

B The authorities know that normal tap wateris full of contaminants and they use chemicals, such as chlorine and bromine inorder to disinfect it. But such chemicals are hardly safe. Indeed, their use inwater is associated with many different conditions and they are particularlydangerous for children and pregnant women. For example, consuming bromine for along time may result in low blood pressure, which may then bring aboutpoisoning of the brain, heart, kidneys and liver. Filtered water is typicallyfree of such water disinfectant chemicals.

C Filtered water is also free of metals,such as mercury and lead. Mercury has ended up in our drinking water mainlybecause the dental mixtures used by dentists have not been disposed of safelyfor a long time. Scientists believe there is a connection between mercury inthe water and many allergies and cancers as well as disorders, such as ADD,OCD, autism and depression.

D Lead, on the other hand, typically findsits way to our drinking water due to pipe leaks. Of course, modern pipes arenot made of lead but pipes in old houses usually are. Lead is a well-knowncarcinogen and is associated with pregnancy problems and birth defects. This isanother reason why children and pregnant women must drink filtered water.

E The benefits of water are well known. Weall know, for example, that it helps to detoxify the body, So, the purer thewater we drink, the easier it is for the body to rid itself of toxins. Theresult of drinking filtered water is that the body does not have to use as muchof its energy on detoxification as it would when drinking unfiltered water.This means that drinking filtered water is good for our health in general. Thatis because the body can perform all of its functions much more easily and thisresults in improved metabolism, better weight management, improved jointlubrication as well as efficient skin hydration.

F There are many different ways to filterwater and each type of filter targets different contaminants. For example,activated carbon water filters are very good at taking chlorine out. Ozonewater filters, on the other hand, are particularly effective at removing germs.

G For this reason, it is very important toknow exactly what is in the water that we drink so that we can decide what typeof water filter to use. A Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) should be useful forthis purpose. This is a certificate that is issued by public water suppliersevery year, listing the contaminants present in the water. If you know whatthese contaminants are, then it is easier to decide which type of water filterto get.

SECTION 2: QUESTIONS 14-26

Questions 14-20

The text has seven paragraphs, A-G.

Which paragraph contains thefollowing information?

Write the correct letter, A-G,next to questions 14-20.

14 ___________a short summary of the main points of the text

15 ___________a variety of methods used for water filtration

16 ___________making it easier for the body to get rid of dangerous chemicals

17 ___________finding out which contaminants your water filter should target

18 ___________allergies caused by dangerous metals

19 ___________a dangerous metal found in the plumbing of old buildings

20 ___________chemicals of cleaning products that destroy bacteria

Questions 21-26

Do the following statementsagree with the information given in the text?

For questions 21-26,write:

TRUE

if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE

if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN

If there is no information on this

21 _________________ The type of water you consume on a regular basis has a greatimpact on your overall health and wellness.

22 _________________ Filtered water typically contains water disinfectant chemicals.

23 _________________ Exposure to disinfectant chemicals is linked with poisoning ofthe vital organs.

24 _________________ Drinking tap water helps minimise your exposure to harmfulelements.

25 _________________ People wearing artificial teeth are more likely to becontaminated.

26 _________________ People who are depressed often suffer from dehydration.